

Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice
Optimal Living Daily | Diania Merriam
Optimal Finance Daily, hosted by Diania Merriam, the innovative mind behind the personal finance conference EconoMe, takes you on an enlightening journey through the world of personal finance. Each episode brings to life the most compelling and practical advice from leading financial bloggers and experts. Diania’s engaging narration and insightful commentary transform complex financial concepts into relatable, actionable insights. Whether it’s budgeting, investing, debt management, or money mindfulness, she covers it all, making financial wisdom accessible to everyone.Gain not just knowledge, but also the motivation to apply it in your daily life. It's not just a source of personal finance tips; it’s a daily companion that guides you towards financial independence and savvy money management, all delivered with Diania's trademark enthusiasm and expertise. By focusing on early retirement, financial independence, and saving money, each episode provides you with the tools needed to achieve your financial goals.This podcast is designed for those passionate about personal finance, early retirement, financial independence, and saving money. It’s your go-to source for practical advice on managing your finances, saving money, and working towards early retirement. Each episode offers actionable steps to foster financial independence and secure your financial future.Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2024 • 10min
2910: [Part 1] Starting to Save for Retirement at 40 by William Cowie with Get Rich Slowly on Investing Math
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2910:Turning 40 can trigger concerns about retirement savings, especially if you’ve barely started. William Cowie explores strategies for catching up, emphasizing the tough math behind investing more or accepting higher risks to make up for lost time. His practical advice acknowledges the challenges while offering pathways to securing a retirement, even with a late start.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/starting-to-save-for-retirement-at-40/Quotes to ponder:"You missed the luxury train to retirement. It’s not pleasant to hear, but it’s true.""The question is not risk or no risk, it is how much risk."Episode references:City of Detroit Bonds: https://www.muninetguide.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22, 2024 • 11min
2909: It's Time For You To Get A Life - Insurance by J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy on Financial Security
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2909:J. Money humorously emphasizes the importance of life insurance, which he rebrands as "Mo’ Money, Less Problems" (MMLP) insurance. He encourages readers to think about how it provides financial peace of mind for loved ones in the event of death, while sharing his personal experience with term life insurance. Even though discussing life insurance may seem dull, it's a necessary conversation to ensure the financial security of one's family.Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/time-to-get-a-life-insurance-movement/Quotes to ponder:"When you die, your entire family is going to be crushed and the last thing on their mind will be money.""The point of all this though, is to GIVE LIFE INSURANCE SOME THOUGHT today.""Money can’t bring you back or kiss your family on the forehead every night, but it sure can improve their lives forever and ever." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 2024 • 13min
2908: 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired by Mike Ballew of Egg Stack on A Fulfilling Retirement
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2908:Mike Ballew highlights essential lessons he learned post-retirement, including the unpredictability of expenses, the critical importance of family relationships, and the reality that retirement can lead to boredom if not well-planned. He also covers the challenges of healthcare costs, the unreliability of Social Security, and the need to balance saving for the future with enjoying life now. His reflections offer practical insights for a more fulfilling retirement.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://eggstack.com/blog/2022-01-30-7-Things-I-Wish-I-Knew-Before-I-Retired/Quotes to ponder:"Putting family first pays better returns than any job or investment ever could.""If you are not prepared for it, your life can quickly devolve into a meaningless existence.""Retirement is the last chapter of your life. If ever there was a time to start thinking about where you are going, this is it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20, 2024 • 12min
2907: 6 Credit Myths That Can Cost You Money by Kumiko of The Budget Mom on Financial Well-Being
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2907:Regularly checking your credit report and understanding how credit works can save you from costly mistakes. In this article, Kumiko breaks down six common credit myths that could lead to poor financial decisions. From clarifying how credit inquiries work to explaining why keeping a balance on your credit card won’t help your score, this guide empowers you with the facts you need to protect your credit and improve your financial well-being.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/6-credit-myths-that-can-cost-you-money/Quotes to ponder:"It’s essential to pay off your credit card balances each month, not just to save money on interest, but also to keep your balance-to-limit ratio low.""Some believe this myth because they think that having a balance demonstrates responsible credit use. However, proving you are responsible with credit doesn’t mean you have to carry a balance.""If you track your spending and manage credit cards the right way, there’s nothing inherently wrong or dangerous about those little pieces of plastic."Episode references:Federal Trade Commission - Identity Theft: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theftAnnualCreditReport.com: https://www.annualcreditreport.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20, 2024 • 10min
2906: Why Volunteering is One of the Most Powerful Things You Can Do for Your Health by Naomi Imatome-Yun with Blue Zones
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2906:Volunteering is one of the most transformative actions you can take to improve both personal well-being and community health. As Naomi Imatome-Yun explains, volunteering not only reduces stress and boosts self-confidence, but also builds a strong social network, combats loneliness, and enhances physical health. It’s a fulfilling way to reconnect with a sense of purpose and contribute to something greater than oneself.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.bluezones.com/2019/07/why-volunteering-is-one-of-the-most-powerful-things-you-can-do-for-your-health/Quotes to ponder:Volunteering to help gave me all this energy I had stored up for a purpose.""Helping someone else, making someone else’s day helps US feel better in turn.""After it was over, I was exhausted with the biggest smile on my face."Episode references:Tuesdays with Morrie: https://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Morrie-Young-Greatest-Lesson/dp/076790592X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 19, 2024 • 10min
2905: Turn off Autopilot & Set Financial Goals by Chelsea of Smart Money Mamas on Personal Finances
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2905:Chelsea from SmartMoneyMamas.com encourages a proactive approach to financial health by setting realistic and personal financial goals. Through meaningful discussions with your partner and addressing key areas like emergency funds, debt, and long-term savings, you can create a strong foundation. By establishing staggered, achievable goals, you’ll feel motivated to take control of your finances, reduce stress, and celebrate progress along the way.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smartmoneymamas.com/step-0-turn-off-autopilot/Quotes to ponder:"Turn off autopilot and steer towards a real goal!""Undergoing this journey on your own will only be frustrating, and setting your family goals and trying to dictate them to your spouse isn’t going to give them the warm and fuzzies.""Taylor Swift will be so much more enjoyable if you aren’t worried about the credit card bills for six months after the concert." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 2024 • 11min
2904: Stuck No More by Wanderer of Millennial Revolution on Financial Independence & Digital Nomads
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2904:Wanderer of Millennial Revolution shares an inspiring story of a couple who followed FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) principles and transformed their financial situation. By cutting ties with a high-fee financial advisor, embracing low-cost investments, and leveraging digital nomadism, they reached millionaire status in just five years - proving that intentional financial decisions can lead to incredible results.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.millennial-revolution.com/build/case-study/stuck-no-more/Quotes to ponder:"Instead of 10 years, they’ve completely turned things around and did it in 5! And they’re millionaires to boot!""FIRE is the only strategy I’ve ever encountered that actually works, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to share it with so many wonderful people like these readers."Episode references:Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF: https://investor.vanguard.com/etf/profile/VTIExtraordinary Event (Chautauqua): https://www.fichautauqua.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 2024 • 14min
2903: Recognizing the Strategic Manipulation of Financial Abuse by Justin Haley Phillips with Tiny Buddha
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2903:Justin Haley Phillips shares a personal story of how financial abuse subtly infiltrated her life, revealing the manipulative tactics abusers use to gain control. By recounting her own experience, she highlights how financial entanglements can often accompany emotional and psychological abuse, leaving victims trapped. Phillips encourages listeners to trust their instincts, stand firm, and recognize their worth, offering practical insights on navigating such challenging situations.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/recognizing-the-strategic-manipulation-of-financial-abuse/Quotes to ponder:"I have endured, I have been broken, I have known hardship, I have lost myself. But here I stand, still moving forward, growing stronger each day.""Abuse isn’t always a black eye, or even insults and degradation. Sometimes it’s all the right words with all the wrong intent.""Don’t doubt yourself. A manipulative abuser will gaslight you, coming from every angle to make themselves appear right and make you seem wrong."Episode references:The Tinder Swindler: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254340 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2024 • 11min
2902: 9 Ways To Save Money For Travel (Or Any Big Purchase) by Sarah Von Bargen of Yes and Yes
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2902:Sarah Von Bargen offers practical yet creative ways to save money for major purchases, from taking on a side hustle to cutting non-essential expenses and selling unused items. Her tips range from everyday budgeting strategies to more extreme measures like participating in medical studies or teaching ESL abroad, all while staying focused on your long-term goals.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.yesandyes.org/2010/02/how-to-save-up-for-big-ticket-items.htmlQuotes to ponder:"Realize that every non-essential thing you buy is a step away from your dream.""No amount of budgeting will help if you’re not in the right mindset.""Make an active effort to remind yourself why you’re making these sacrifices."Episode references:Craigslist: https://www.craigslist.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 15, 2024 • 11min
2901: What It Feels Like To Be Rich by James Altucher on Scarcity & Isolation
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2901:James Altucher reflects on his experiences with wealth, revealing that despite acquiring significant financial success, the emotional and psychological outcomes were complex. He recounts moments of fleeting safety and abundance but emphasizes how quickly these feelings faded into scarcity and isolation. Through personal anecdotes, Altucher illustrates that money alone does not equate to happiness or fulfillment, showing that true richness comes from an internal state of mind.Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/what-it-feels-like-to-be-rich/Quotes to ponder:"I realized I never knew the value of money. I had never even been aware of money before.""Money is a great thing but money finds a home only in places where it’s appreciated. I didn’t appreciate the money. So it left me.""Feeling rich or abundant is a state of mind. It’s cultivated by how much fulfillment you get out of the way you spend your time, how much gratitude you express, the influence of the people you surround yourself with, and where you focus your attention." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices